Spy Wars: Red Shopkeeper

Chapter 142 Painting Cake
Evening, at the Kaifu Hotel in Hongkou.

Gu Yansheng went to the banquet, and Minister Zhou waited at the door to greet him.

He shook hands and said, "I heard that Director Gu is from Hangzhou. I asked the Military Police Headquarters if there were any restaurants specializing in Hangzhou cuisine in Hongkou. They said no. Luckily, I found out that this Kaifu Restaurant serves Beijing cuisine. Director Gu studied at university in Beijing, so he should be able to eat there. I asked about the stir-fried three dishes and the hibiscus chicken slices, and they have them."

Gu Yansheng shook hands and said, "Minister Zhou, you've gone to a lot of trouble. I'm a picky eater, not picky about the cuisine, just the taste. You're from Hunan, so we can definitely eat Hunan food. I can handle spicy food too."

"Hahaha, okay, then let them make two Hunan dishes too."

They quickly became acquainted, and Minister Zhou, all smiles, led Gu Yansheng inside.

"I'm very sorry about what happened today. Junqiang is new here and is indeed not familiar enough with things in Shanghai. I've already talked to him and told him to put aside his Chongqing ways and calm down to learn about the situation in Shanghai."

Gu Yansheng smiled faintly; he had no need to get involved in topics like others criticizing their subordinates.

Just echo the sentiment: "The situation in Shanghai is somewhat complicated."

Minister Zhou smiled and said, "That's why I invited Director Gu here. First, to apologize, but really, the preparations for the new government will indeed encounter many problems. I hope Director Gu can offer his advice and help me come up with some ideas. Brother Gu, you must help me out. Come, please sit down."

Upon arriving at the private room, Minister Zhou instructed the waiter to serve the dishes, and also added two spicy dishes to the meal.

The mahogany eight-immortal tables are placed quite close together.

Minister Zhou poured wine for Gu Yansheng and began to chat casually about various topics, including local customs and traditions. He also mentioned his past experiences in Chongqing and gave a rundown of the various figures associated with the Chongqing clique.

Then they talked about Wang Jingwei's ideas on peaceful nation-building and asked Gu Yansheng for his opinion.

Gu Yansheng simply offered a few words of agreement, neither humble nor arrogant.

Then we got down to business.

Minister Zhou said, "This trip to Shanghai to prepare for the establishment of the new government is complicated and requires starting from scratch. Without someone as familiar with the situation in Shanghai as Mr. Gu, we are bound to suffer losses."

Today at the meeting, I listened to Mr. Gu's insights on the requisition of materials, and I really think that this method is very ingenious. It has turned an impossible task into a feasible one.

Unfortunately, Luo Junqiang failed to grasp the deeper meaning of Mr. Gu's words, which led to his failure at the last moment.

When I went out to discuss it with Kagesa, he told me that we could leave the parts that had already been collected as they were, and he would coordinate with the Japanese companies on that part. However, the Japanese companies could not forcibly collect the parts that had not yet been collected, unless we obtained permission from the Japanese companies ourselves.

What a pity.

If we continue with Mr. Gu's approach entirely, this major problem might be completely solved.

“A complete solution is impossible, and even with their share, it’s not enough,” Gu Yansheng said bluntly. “In the operation of this matter, we originally agreed that each company would be charged 10%, but in reality, I had my subordinates charge 20%.”

Firstly, it leaves you some room to maneuver. If the Japanese companies cause a big fuss, you can coordinate and return half of the amount, giving both sides a way out. This actually achieves our original goal of only wanting 10%.

Secondly, if, as you just said, the Japanese side agrees to leave 20% behind, that might solve the needs of 500,000 people.

The key issue here is that Chinese-owned enterprises have just experienced the intimidation of the previous round of forced cotton yarn requisition. Their warehouses were long gone, and now, with incoming and outgoing goods, I know without even investigating that their remaining inventory is definitely not much. Even if we brought it all, it wouldn't be enough to meet your needs.”

Minister Zhou nodded. "I remember you said at the meeting that if Chinese-funded enterprises were to provide the funding, it would still take them a year to produce it."

"Yes."

"So, is there any other solution to this matter?" Minister Zhou poured wine for Gu Yansheng with a smile: "If there is a solution, I hope Mr. Gu can give me some guidance."

"I wouldn't presume to offer guidance," Gu Yansheng replied without hesitation. "Because I know that the combined goods from these factories are definitely not enough. I actually thought about the follow-up to this matter yesterday; there are some plans that haven't been implemented yet."

"All ears."

Gu Yansheng didn't keep them in suspense and spoke eloquently: "The factories in the Chinese-controlled area don't have enough goods, but the merchants have stock on hand. Whether it's goods in the Chinese-controlled area or those in the concessions, we can find a way to get them. That's one point."

Secondly, the Chinese-controlled areas experienced war and reduced production capacity, but the production capacity of the concessions not only did not decrease after the war, but actually increased. This was because some people built new factories in the concessions to seek refuge, and perhaps they could find a way to bring some of their factory's goods over.
Thirdly, and this is the point I value most, it was specifically prepared in response to Mr. Wang's claim of peaceful nation-building.

The army's needs are not a one-time thing, and forced conscription is not a long-term solution. Repeated forced conscription damages the government's reputation, so I think we can set up our own factories and produce cotton yarn ourselves.

There are many people in Shanghai who are currently out of work, and there is a shortage of cotton yarn in many parts of the country. You heard the data I gave yesterday: most of the production capacity in the Chinese-controlled areas has been taken by the Japanese. Some of it was used by their own army, and some was transported to Japan.

This is far from enough for us.

There's money to be made here.

In the name of the new government, we can establish factories through joint ventures between government and business. This will not only solve the cotton yarn needs of our own army, but also allow us to sell any surplus nationwide, thus solving the problem once and for all.

We could give the cotton yarn factory a brand name, like "Peace," so that people all over the country would know that this is cotton yarn produced by the new government's official factory, cotton yarn that benefits the people.

We gained fame and made money.

The most crucial issue here is the start-up capital.

Whether you're buying from merchants in the concession or building new factories, you'll need money, and I've already found the sources for that for you.

The simplest way is through a loan.

Isn't the municipal bank that SH City is going to establish going to act as the central bank for the new government?
In the name of the new government, a loan can be obtained, and the factory can be started. Vice Mayor Luo is currently serving as the director of the Economic Department, so this operation should be very simple for him. The problem of distant water has been solved, and then the problem of nearby water will follow.

Loans, donations, and bonds were available. Merchants with cotton yarn might not be willing to donate a large share to the government, but there were many wealthy people in Shanghai who would contribute money. With money, one could obtain cotton yarn, and cotton yarn in the concessions could be purchased freely.

Has the issue of proximity to water been resolved as well?
By forcibly requisitioning some, purchasing some, and having merchants donate some, the problem of cotton yarn for 50 people can be solved.

The factories that followed could then supply the army continuously, completely solving the military supply problem.

He spoke quite frankly. After thinking for a moment, Minister Zhou realized that Gu Yansheng's solution was indeed feasible, and very feasible indeed.

Pour the wine.

"I never imagined Mr. Gu had so many tricks up his sleeve. It was really Luo Junqiang who misled me. Otherwise, if Mr. Gu had handled this matter, I don't know how smoothly it would have gone."

Gu Yansheng smiled and said, "Minister Zhou, I've given you the idea, and I haven't been holding back. But don't bother me with the rest, okay? I've already said it in the meeting room. Don't bother me with the rest. If you take it back, I'll lose face."

Gu Yansheng has already been very generous by saying so much, offering nothing in return.

Minister Zhou knew that Gu Yansheng was unhappy. Luo Junqiang could indeed handle the loan, and he could also help talk to the Japanese. However, Gu Yansheng's earlier point about purchasing part of the loan and donating the rest, especially issuing bonds for businessmen to subscribe to, was something that could not be done without Gu Yansheng.

After thinking for a moment, he said, "Mr. Gu, it was a pleasure talking with you today. I wish we had met sooner. With your abilities, staying in the Shanghai Judicial Office is a waste of your talents. The new government is in dire need of personnel, and I hope Mr. Gu can have a greater opportunity. I wonder if Mr. Gu would be interested in competing for a position in the Ministry of Justice? If you are, I can help you." Competition? There's a need for competition? This is practically the same as getting something for nothing.

Gu Yansheng's eyes flickered slightly: "I don't quite understand what this competition means?"

Minister Zhou smiled and said, "The list of heads of the new government's main agencies is still being drafted."

However, although it is said that the selection is still being drafted, Mr. Wang probably already has a clear idea of ​​the candidates for the main institutions.

As the vice chairman, Mr. Wang naturally has his own people he is used to. They are willing to follow Mr. Wang, and they also need an official position to realize their ambitions. Moreover, most of them have worked in Chongqing and understand the way things are done in Chongqing.

Therefore, the heads of many major institutions have already been decided privately.

But private matters are private matters, and there is a lot of room for negotiation.

At least from the Japanese perspective, they also need to review our hiring process before making a final decision.

So if Mr. Gu is willing, I think there is a high chance that this matter will succeed, not only because of your ability, but also because, as far as I know, you have considerable connections on the Japanese side.

With my recommendation, the combined efforts of both sides will be very promising.

"I'm not necessarily competing for anything. Shanghai is good for me, and I'm satisfied with my current position," Gu Yansheng said modestly.

Minister Zhou chuckled: "If the country were prosperous, I would rather stay at home reading books and newspapers. But now we are living in a chaotic world. Those who are capable should step forward. The stage is bigger, and the benefits are greater. Bringing happiness to the people is what we should pursue."

Gu Yansheng picked up the wine pot and poured him a cup of wine: "I'll handle the matter. You just need to have Vice Mayor Luo cooperate with me."

Minister Zhou laughed and patted Gu Yansheng on the back: "Alright, then I'll wait for your good news. I'll personally report to Mr. Wang on your behalf. Eat up, eat up."

After taking a couple of bites, Minister Zhou remembered something, "You're not a Party member yet, are you?"

Gu Yansheng hummed in agreement, picked up some food with his chopsticks, and said as he ate, "I have never joined any political party."

“That won’t do, you have to join the Party.” Minister Zhou put down his chopsticks, thought for a moment and said, “If the name is not correct, the words will not be proper. We are the Kuomintang, and the head of the department must also be a Kuomintang member. Here’s what we’ll do: you write an application to join the Party, and I will be your introducer. That will make up for this matter.”

"I also need to join the Kuomintang." Gu Yansheng nodded: "Okay, I'll write it when I get back."

"Well, otherwise you won't be able to attend the Party Congress, and you'll be attacked by people."

Next, we can talk about Shanghai, discuss our plans for the future nation-building, and incidentally try to win over Gu Yansheng, who can just listen while eating.

The next day, Gu Yansheng had to report this matter to Hasegawa.

No matter how much Minister Zhou gives, it's all just castles in the air. The core base is the consulate, and that cannot be forgotten.

Leaders like their subordinates to consult and report more often.

consulate.

Gu Yansheng recounted his meeting with Minister Zhou yesterday and his promise to grant him an official position.

Hasegawa laughed when he heard this. "Gold shines wherever it is. I'm not surprised at all that the Wang faction would recruit you. Between you and Ling Xianwen, I was more inclined to believe that you would be recruited."

However, the fact that he's offered the position of Minister of Justice and Administration shows that Minister Zhou is quite generous.

"Using other people's possessions to grant official positions and make promises is tantamount to asking you to conquer cities and seize territories."

"What do you mean by that, Mr. Hasegawa? I don't understand," Gu Yansheng asked curiously.

Hasegawa scoffed, "According to the intelligence I have, there is a man named Li Shengwu in the Wang Jingwei faction. Like you, he graduated from Peking University, studied at the University of Tokyo in Japan, and is also a Doctor of Laws from Oxford University in England."

He has always followed Vice Chairman Wang, and his qualifications and education are suitable. He should be the candidate for Minister of Justice in the hearts of Wang's faction. He is currently in Hanoi.

If I were to appoint you as the Minister of Justice and Administration, what do you think your intentions would be?
Those who want to undermine the Wang faction are also facing internal strife.

"That's good. If he's going to push it, I'll give him a hand."

Hasegawa Jinkawa is happy to see this happen; the absence of internal conflicts would be a bad thing.

After thinking for a moment, he said, "However, the plan for Shanghai cannot be implemented as you described. It's not that the plan is flawed, it's that it's not feasible at present. Shanghai is not chaotic enough. You must make it chaotic enough before you can implement this plan."

Gu Yansheng asked curiously, "What is the purpose? How chaotic do you want things to get? I need to know how to handle things."

Gu Yansheng is now a general. Hasegawa thought for a moment and could reveal a little about it: "Last time, Shanghai was in chaos because of the military bill issue. The cabinet held a meeting to specifically discuss economic issues with China."

Previously, all issues concerning China were handled by Yingzuo's Special Affairs Committee on China, especially after he launched the "Mei" Plan. Oh, the Mei Plan was to recruit Wang Jingwei's people. So when he was stationed in Shanghai, all issues in Shanghai were handled jointly by his Special Affairs Committee and the Military Police Command.

However, the last incident involving military scrip caused major economic problems in Shanghai. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs specifically accused the military of its actions, as the military personnel were truly clueless about economics.

They are the ones who caused the trouble, but it is our Ministry of Foreign Affairs that bears the blame.

Therefore, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs suggested to the Cabinet that economic power be removed from the hands of the military, and that the military should only be responsible for fighting wars, while the economy should be handled by other departments.

However, the military has always been very assertive, and our suggestions have only been half successful so far.

The cabinet has decided to establish the Asia Development Institute, which will be responsible for China's economy, with the prime minister as the highest-ranking official, reporting directly to the cabinet.

With the local command center in place, the remaining task is to determine the specific regional commanders. The location of the Xingya Institute in the Central China region has been confirmed as Shanghai.

However, the selection of a leader is still under discussion. The army wants one, the navy wants one, and our Ministry of Foreign Affairs is also asking for one.

However, so far, the army has a high chance of winning.

So if there's another major upheaval, it will prove that the military truly doesn't understand economics. Then command won't fall into the hands of the army. As long as it's not the army, whether it's the navy or us, then everything is negotiable. Understand?

Hasegawa smiled.

Gu Yansheng smiled and said, "I understand. They just happen to support the Wang Jingwei faction's forced conscription, so there's a high chance of another Shanghai economic collapse. What I need is to push it forward, let it erupt completely, and let the army suffer a complete defeat."

Hasegawa nodded and sneered: "He doesn't understand economics but insists on interfering. In fact, if Kagesa were willing to delegate power to Kobayashi, Shanghai's economy might not be in such a bad state. But he insists on managing it himself, and he doesn't understand economics, so we can only kick him out."

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs doesn't want to be both bullied and blamed; I'm afraid of having a heart attack, and I want to live a few more years.

(End of this chapter)